Hunter’s Day to honour late son

AN outpouring of love and support from the Wallan community has ‘overwhelmed’ the family of baby Hunter Gibbons following his tragic death. Katie McCullough and her partner Andrew Gibbons received the devastating news their son had passed away on November 22.

Hunter had been diagnosed with a hole in his heart before birth and fought his way to the end. Despite the emotional time for the family, Miss McCullough said she could not believe the effort some people were going to help.

“Andrew and I are overwhelmed by all of the support we are getting, even when Hunter was in hospital, people were keen to help,” she said. After hearing the story of Hunter, both Lauren Fanelli and Sarah Brewer combined to begin planning a fundraiser called Hunter’s Day on December 22.

Miss McCullough said she was taken aback when the idea was first brought up with her.

“For everyone to organise this and for so many to get involved, it is mind blowing,” she added.

“It is the hardest time we will ever go through and everyone’s support makes it easier, there are so many people he impacted in his short, little life.”

Co-organiser of Hunter’s Day, Ms Fanelli, has spent hours working with Ms Brewer to organise the major fundraiser. She said it was just to help a family in need, after Mr Gibbons had to stop working in order to take his son to the hospital.

“When we heard about it, we knew they needed some help,” she said.

“They need the money for medical expenses and to just get by. I like to help anyone I can.

“We have the facilities and we could help out, so we put together Hunter’s Day.”